To mark the formal closure of the Aberdeen Art Gallery, prior to it redevelopment, there was a host of public events held in the now empty building. The public got to use the space in a way not usually possible in a building that normally houses one of Scotland’s most important art collections. Gareth and Donald made the journey to Aberdeen to enjoy the events which included live music and performances, life drawing, clay sculpting, picnics in the galleries, penalty shoot-outs, all culminating with a ceilidh. They didn’t report on who scored the most goals or impressed most on the dancefloor.

The reopening of the building is planned for November 2017 when visitors can look forward to 21 gallery spaces in place of the existing 11, a new rooftop gallery to showcase international-quality exhibitions, two new education suites and a community gallery. The project will see a sensitive upgrading of the Cowdray Hall and integrate it more effectively with the Gallery creating new opportunities for visitors to engage in both art and music. It also encompasses the War Memorial Hall which will be carefully treated to reflect both its role as a space for quiet contemplation and as the home for the civic act of remembrance. All of which will create a world class cultural centre which celebrates art and music and is at the heart of civic and cultural life.

Robert is the Stage 5 leader in the Mackintosh School of Architecture and was invited
to come office to chat to us about his most recent publication, The Urban
Section, which investigates street profiles and city sections from around the
world in an attempt to identify best practice for street and city design. His presentation used examples from the book and led to an office wide
discussion covering a wide range of topics from the challenges and
methodologies for designing urban streetscapes to individual’s personal
favourite streets.

For
those interested in the book it can be purchased here
on the RIBA bookshop website